The Mad Girls of New York

Fearless reporter Nellie Bly will stop at nothing to chase down stories that expose injustices against women—even if it comes at the risk of her own life and freedom—in this exciting novel inspired by the true story of one remarkable woman.

In 1887 New York City, Nellie Bly has ambitions beyond writing for the ladies pages, but all the editors on Newspaper Row think women are too emotional, respectable and delicate to do the job. But then the New York World challenges her to an assignment she'd be mad to accept and mad to refuse: go undercover as a patient at Blackwell's Island Insane Asylum for Women.

For months, rumors have been swirling about deplorable conditions at Blackwell’s, but no reporter can get in—that is, until Nellie feigns insanity, gets committed and attempts to survive ten days in the madhouse. Inside, she discovers horrors beyond comprehension. It's an investigation that could make her career—if she can get out to tell it before two rival reporters scoop her story.

From USA Today bestselling author Maya Rodale comes a rollicking historical adventure series about the outrageous intrigues and bold flirtations of the most famous female reporter—and a groundbreaking rebel—of New York City’s Gilded Age.

Read an excerpt

In which Nellie presents a daring assignment.

“I could go under cover to the insane asylum at Blackwell’s Island.” 

Both men stopped talking at once. They had all seen the stories in the papers these past two months, alluding to wretched conditions. The blind items, the sources who remained unnamed out of fear. They’d heard of women who were here one day and gone the next. Blackwell’s. No woman would go there willingly. 

Which to Nellie meant it was a story waiting to be told, however no reporter had yet to gain access to the asylum. Her mad idea to go undercover hung in the air, like smoke, refusing to go away or be ignored. But she got him. Finally got him. Cockerill, in spite of himself, was intrigued. He leaned forward with a glint in his eye that made no secret of his interest. 

“What, like as a nurse?” 

“As a patient.” 

“Can you act insane?” 

I have no idea, Nellie thought. Then she said, “Of course.” 

“You must be joking,” Cockerill replied. 

“Or already insane,” Colton added. “A stunt like that is risky.” Turning to Cockerill, Colton said. “You can’t send a young woman into such a dangerous situation.” 

Nellie rolled her eyes. “Women get sent there all the time,” Nellie pointed out.

“She has a point,” Cockerill said gruffly. “But so do you. It is dangerous. Worse than dangerous. Apparently, it’s fucking nightmare. Deplorable. A circle of hell where decency and humanity go to die a slow, horrible death. Or so the rumors say. They won’t let us send a reporter, so I’m sure it’s even worse.” 

“If you’re too scared to run it, I could always take my story ideas to the Herald,” Nellie remarked. Casually. Just a thought. “I could help them corner the market on stunt journalism. It’s new. Exciting. Sensational.”